Oklahoma Trails and
Campgrounds

Here at Blue
Mountain Cabins,
Inc. we offer a
beautiful and
quiet
place to relax
and escape from
the every day
life of chaos!
Everyone needs a
little get-a-way
now and again.
Well, here it
is! Our
cabins are
available year
round.
Children are
always welcome!
Our cabins are
fully
furnished--just
bring your food
and drinks!
If you would
like to bring
your own horses,
we offer a
corral at each
cabin and there
is plenty of
room for your
truck and
trailer!
Our "weekday
rentals" are
from
Sunday-Thursday.
Our "weekend
rentals" are
Friday-Saturday. Take
a look at our
cabins for
rent!

We also are a
horseback riding
facility here in
Hogden Oklahoma,
and invite you
and your family
to the beautiful
region for some
rest, relaxation
and fun. Our
goal is to allow
you to
experience the
wonderful
feeling of being
in nature on
horseback! We
are surrounded
by 240,000 acres
of beautiful
Ouachita
National
Forest. There
are an abundance
of trails for
everyone! From
traveling the
dirt roads to
climbing the
mountains -- you
decide.
Cedar Lake
Riding Stables
has several
different
options for your
enjoyment, and
now have
beautiful rustic
cabins which are
available if you
would like to
join us for a
few days. We
will supply you
with a gentle
horse and the
knowledge you
will need to
feel safe and
secure. Our
Trail Guide is
very eager to
take you on the
best tour of
this area that
you are willing
to see.

Picture to the left courtesy of
A to Z Guest Ranch

(See Below or click on Picture)

Central Oklahoma

Good for new horse or rider. Includes lake access for watering horses.
Ride permit required.LOCATION: Horse trailer parking
available at 33rd St. & Air Depot Rd. Parking lot located at the
middle of the trail.DISTANCE: 10 milesRIDE TYPE: Beautiful, secluded and
scenic route with many surrounding trees and wildlife.TRAIL TYPE: Flat, sandy, well-marked
trails with a shallow water crossing and several bridges shaded by
surrounding hardwood groves.
(FISHING)

Chandler:
Bell Cow Lake* (EASY)
A good trail for young horses. Horse water is readily available.LOCATION: N of I-44 on SH-18 for 3/4 of a
mile, turn W on Lake Rd. 6 miles, then N for 1 mile.DISTANCE: Two marked trails, total of 37
milesRIDE TYPE: Out-and-backTRAIL TYPE: Dirt, sand and grass. Horseshoes
are optional.
(CAMPGROUND, PICNIC AREA, PLAYGROUND,
RESTROOMS, BOATING, FISHING, SWIMMING) Located right off the Turner
Turnpike between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Known for bass fishing,
swimming beach, RV and primitive camping. Equestrian campground and
trail heads are located in Area C. Campground offers electric/water
hookups and primitive camping available. Also provides picket poles,
restrooms with showers, trail maps and two marked trails.

Large public campground for horses with
primitive and RV camp sites. Complete with picket poles, picnic tables,
grills and restrooms and showers. Campground also has swimming beach,
pavilion, volley ball court and boat ramp. There are two trails with a
total of 37 miles. Trails are well marked and maps are available at the
campground.
For more information call:

The Ranch Ride, The outlaw Cave Ride, The Old Settlers
Ride, Rodeo Night, Get Down and Dirty Ride, The Cowboy Ride, The
Preacher Man, A Place to Hang your Hat, Lasso the Moon, Little Doggie,
Give me that Old Time Religion

Allow Gloss
Mountain Outfitters to arrange a trip for campers, hikers and horseback
riders of any experience. Scenic vistas, wildflowers, caverns, sunsets
and more await you.

You will ride
atop mesas, over natural rock formations, and through streams. After the
first two hours we will break for a
campfire lunch.
You can wade in the creek, explore the rock house and hike the mesas
while lunch is prepared.

After your
tummy is full, saddle up and get ready the riding gets better! Allow 6 –
7 hours

Day ride only, several miles of trail. A
few miles East of Seminole.
Sportsmans’ Lake* (ADVANCED)
For an experienced rider, an excellent place to come for the weekend. Ride
permit required, maps are available at the trailhead. Water is readily
available on the trail and from the lake. Campground has mounting block
accessible to physically disabled.LOCATION: 4 miles E of Seminole on Hwy. 9 to
NS 360. Two miles S to EW 124, then E to equestrian turn-off.DISTANCE: 20+ milesRIDE TYPE: Loops, connecting and
out-and-back trailsTRAIL TYPE: Rough country with rocky and
steep inclines, numerous water crossings and one area of quicksand.
Horseshoes are necessary.MORE INFO: 405-257-3600 South of I-40
Approximately halfway between Tulsa and Oklahoma City
(HIKING, CAMPGROUND, BOATING, FISHING, PICNIC AREA, RESTROOMS)

located in the Clear Bay
area of Thunderbird
State Park. We have over 500 acres of beautiful wooded trails and
plush pastures on which to ride. We can accommodate any type of rider
novice to experienced. Our prices are $14.00 per hour plus tax per
person. We do require reservations. Contact us at 1-405-321-5768.Thunderbird
Riding Stables.

Big Kiamichi Guest Ranch,
Antlers, Oklahoma Phone: 936-273-5064 E-mail: bedwards@vancoenergy.com
This is a vast wilderness area covered with big pine timber,
mountain streams, abundant wildlife, and few people. There
are many clear rivers that swell from springs in the
mountains. One of those is the Kiamichi River. As the river
comes down from the mountains, it flows through rolling
green hills that are densely forested. Big Kiamichi Ranch
lays along the river and it borders the 35,000 acre Hugo
Lake Wildlife Refuge. This preserve has an 18,000 acre
waterfowl refuge lake and 17,000 acres of river bottom
forest. Fishing is a main event on the ranch. Each of the
catch and release lakes are stocked with species such as
Florida largemouth bass, northern largemouth bass, bluegill,
red eared perch, hybrid bluegill-green sunfish and catfish.
Each lake has a different mix of fish species One cold clear
spring-fed lake has exclusively smallmouth bass and
bluegill. Smallmouth are big jumpers. You can have lunch on
a big picnic table next to a lake. You want a 12 lb.
Largemouth? Well, we have em. We furnish canoes and
rowboats. Don't want to leave your horse at home. Bring em.
We have a large coral to take care of them. Horses for rent
nearby are available also. A new two story ranch house sits
on top of a hill in a grove of trees. The new ranch house
has two bedrooms, a den, full bath, kitchen with all
utensils and dishes, and a dining area. Heating and air
conditioning of course. Rates are competitive in the area
and reasonable. They vary depending on weekend, weekday,
holiday, length of stay, etc. You can sit on the front porch
in a rocking chair and look out between two giant red oak
trees down into the valley to see the creek below. It is
totally peaceful, since it is two miles back up the road to
the nearest house. The ranch has just been opened for the
first time this year, as an Oklahoma Guest Ranch. You can
spend a quiet weekend or a week of vacation staying in the
ranch house. You can roam the ranch and the mountains to the
north, canoe down the river, and barbeque on the hilltop in
the evening. Contact us for details and reservations.
Housekeeping and linens provided, but we don't think we BIG
KIAMICHI Guest RANCH Antlers, Oklahoma Phone: 936-273-5064
E-mail: bedwards@vancoenergy.com This is a vast wilderness
area covered with big pine timber, mountain streams,
abundant wildlife, and few people. There are many clear
rivers that swell from springs in the mountains. One of
those is the Kiamichi River. As the river comes down from
the mountains, it flows through rolling green hills that are
densely forested. Big Kiamichi Ranch lays along the river
and it borders the 35,000 acre Hugo Lake Wildlife Refuge.
This preserve has an 18,000 acre waterfowl refuge lake and
17,000 acres of river bottom forest. Fishing is a main event
on the ranch. Each of the catch and release lakes are
stocked with species such as Florida largemouth bass,
northern largemouth bass, bluegill, red eared perch, hybrid
bluegill-green sunfish and catfish. Each lake has a
different mix of fish species One cold clear spring-fed lake
has exclusively smallmouth bass and bluegill. Smallmouth are
big jumpers. You can have lunch on a big picnic table next
to a lake. You want a 12 lb. Largemouth? Well, we have em.
We furnish canoes and rowboats. Don't want to leave your
horse at home. Bring em. We have a large coral to take care
of them. Horses for rent nearby are available also. A new
two story ranch house sits on top of a hill in a grove of
trees. The new ranch house has two bedrooms, a den, full
bath, kitchen with all utensils and dishes, and a dining
area. Heating and air conditioning of course. Rates are
competitive in the area and reasonable. They vary depending
on weekend, weekday, holiday, length of stay, etc. You can
sit on the front porch in a rocking chair and look out
between two giant red oak trees down into the valley to see
the creek below. It is totally peaceful, since it is two
miles back up the road to the nearest house. The ranch has
just been opened for the first time this year, as an
Oklahoma Guest Ranch. You can spend a quiet weekend or a
week of vacation staying in the ranch house. You can roam
the ranch and the mountains to the north, canoe down the
river, and barbeque on the hilltop in the evening. Contact
us for details and reservations. Housekeeping and linens
provided, but we don't do dishes. do dishes.

We
provide well marked trails through the woods, across and
along creeks, up mountain sides and old logging roads to
some of the most beautiful views of the Kiamichi
Mountains by horse back, hiking or ATV

Here at Blue
Mountain Cabins,
Inc. we offer a
beautiful and
quiet
place to relax
and escape from
the every day
life of chaos!
Everyone needs a
little get-a-way
now and again.
Well, here it
is! Our
cabins are
available year
round.
Children are
always welcome!
Our cabins are
fully
furnished--just
bring your food
and drinks!
If you would
like to bring
your own horses,
we offer a
corral at each
cabin and there
is plenty of
room for your
truck and
trailer!
Our "weekday
rentals" are
from
Sunday-Thursday.
Our "weekend
rentals" are
Friday-Saturday. Take
a look at our
cabins for
rent!

We also are a
horseback riding
facility here in
Hogden Oklahoma,
and invite you
and your family
to the beautiful
region for some
rest, relaxation
and fun. Our
goal is to allow
you to
experience the
wonderful
feeling of being
in nature on
horseback! We
are surrounded
by 240,000 acres
of beautiful
Ouachita
National
Forest. There
are an abundance
of trails for
everyone! From
traveling the
dirt roads to
climbing the
mountains -- you
decide.
Cedar Lake
Riding Stables
has several
different
options for your
enjoyment, and
now have
beautiful rustic
cabins which are
available if you
would like to
join us for a
few days. We
will supply you
with a gentle
horse and the
knowledge you
will need to
feel safe and
secure. Our
Trail Guide is
very eager to
take you on the
best tour of
this area that
you are willing
to see.

The Winding Stair Mountain Equestrian Trail Network

Ouachita National
Forest, Cedar Lake Campground

70 miles of trail, over 50 campsites,
water, electricity, showers, Heavener: PH 918-653-2991
Go 10 miles south of Heavener on U.S. Highways 270/59 to Holson Valley
Road. Turn west (right)
and drive 3 miles to the camp. This new camp offers equestrians accessible
day-use and overnight
camping with facilities for equestrians and their horses. The camp is
equipped with electric and water
hook-ups, group picnic pavilion, showers and washracks and direct access
to over 70 miles of the
equestrian trails. Hikers and mountain bikers also share these
trails. (ADVANCED, EXPERT)
Trails connect with Talimena State Park, Billy Creek Trailhead and Peter
Conser Historical Homestead. Mounting block accessible to physically
disabled is available. GPS developed map available.LOCATION: From US-270/59, 3 miles W onto
Holson Valley Rd., follow signs to Cedar Lake Recreation Area.DISTANCE: 100 milesRIDE TYPE: Loops and connecting trailsTRAIL TYPE: Very rocky with some steep
inclines and abundant wildlife, including bears.TRAIL MARKINGS: Yellow rectangles and yellow
markers with trail numbers.DIFFICULTY: Emerald Vista trail covers steep
terrain with long grades. Post Mountain is rated more difficult,
especially in heavy rains. Red Lick crosses water and is also rated more
difficult. Blue Mountain is a challenging ride.MORE INFO: 918-653-2991
(HIKING, CAMPGROUND, PICNIC AREA,
RESTROOMS, BOATING, FISHING, SWIMMING,
DISABLED ACCESS, NATURE VIEWING)

The trails are rated as easy, more difficult, or most
difficult. The ratings reflect the degree of slope, roughness of tread,
trail width, and how well vegetation is cleared for ease of riding

Post MountainTrails 1 and 2 comprise an 8 mile trip. Leading travelers
over rolling terrain, the trails cross creeks in two places. After storms,
these creeks can become difficult to cross. Both trails are rated more
difficult.

Holson ValleyTrails 4, 4a and 5 provide a 7.5 mile trip. The trails offer
a leisurely ride through the Homer L. Johnson Wildlife Management Area. Ride
quietly and you'll have the best chance to see wildlife along these trails.
The three trails are rated more difficult.

Red LickTrails 5, 5a and 6 provide a 15 mile trip. Originating
at Cedar Lake Camp, this is a moderate loop, following ridgelines
overlooking the Red Lick Drainage. The trails cross Cedar Creek twice at the
northwest end and Red Lick Creek at the northeast end. These three trails
are rated more difficult.

Emerald VistaTrails 6 and 7 provide a 16.5 mile trip. The trails take you
over steep terrain with long grades. You will ride through Red Lick and
Shawnee Creek Drainages, ending at Winding Stair Campground at the top of
Winding Stair Mountain. The campground is closed to horses. Trail 6 is rated
more difficult and Trail 7 is rated most difficult.

Blue MountainTrails 2 and 8 comprise a 15.5 mile trip. This challenging
ride originates at Cedar Lake Camp. Riders are rewarded with panoramic
vistas of Holson Valley from an old fire tower site. The west loop of Trail
8 is very steep, and is rated most difficult. Trail 2 is rated more
difficult.

Billy Creek
Trailhead

Located 7 miles northwest of Big Cedar. Take Highway 63 five
miles west to Forest Road 6022 and 6022A. Turn north (right) and drive two
miles to the trailhead. The parking area can accommodate 10 horse trailers.
Billy Creek Campground is across the road, but closed to horses.

Hugo: Located in S.E.
Oklahoma 5 miles east of Hugo on Hwy 70. Several thousand acres and
miles of trails to explore from 1 March to Oct 1. Campground includes
holding pens, water, electric, showers, swim beach and fishing and
hunting opportunities.
580-326-3345

100's of miles of trails, Stalls, Turnouts,
arena, Private cabins or RV sites. Ph 1-800-51HORSE. Horse Heaven
Ranch is located 7 miles East of Talihina
on HWY 63, on the edge of the Ouachita National Forest. This riding
ranch boasts striking scenery and quick access to miles upon miles of
wilderness trails and logging roads. Here, pine trees scrape azure
skies, balmy breezes stir crisp air, and clear streams cut across
rolling hills alive with adventure. This spectacular area beckons you to
explore its beauty. If your idea of paradise is riding peacefully amidst
fragrant pines and clear steams on hundreds of miles of trails in the
pristine forests of Southeastern Oklahoma, training in a first-class
arena, then relaxing in a fully-appointed cabin or luxurious RV site
while your horse rests safely in an adjacent barn master barn or turnout
pen, you’ll love Horse Heaven Ranch. And no wonder. Horse Heaven Ranch
is the one resort designed specifically for the safety, comfort and
enjoyment of horses and their owners. We have 6 fully equipped luxury
cabins. Each comes with a covered stall and paddock. We also
have 32 RV sites (12 being pull thrus) with a 2 stall pipe paddock, BBQ
Grill, picnic table, water & electric at each site. We also have a
state of the art bath house with CH&A. Careful attention has been given
to every detail to ensure that your visit here is all you’ve dreamed of
in a vacation.

We
provide well marked trails through the woods, across and
along creeks, up mountain sides and old logging roads to
some of the most beautiful views of the Kiamichi Mountains
by horse back, hiking or ATV

A to Z
Guest RanchLocated between Big Cedar
and Octavia on Hwy 259 in the
Kiamichi Mountains. 4 mi North
on Hwy 259
Smithville, OK 74957ladyboss@pine-net.comCome and enjoy trail riding on your favorite
horse or ours. Located in Octavia, Oklahoma in the beautiful
Kiamichi Mountains, you'll ride through lots of tall pine trees,
go through creek crossings and old logging roads. Or just spend
quiet time on the porch. 215,000 acres available to ride on.
Equestrian resort and guest cottages. True to the ranch's motto
of "where the road ends and the adventure begins," the only
distractions are flowing creeks, lush pine forests and abundance
of wildlife. More than 100 miles of trails give hikers and
horseback riders room to roam. Guests may bring their own horse
or ride one of the ranch's on a guided tour through running
creek crossings and old logging roads. Accommodations include RV
hookups, tent campsites, two bunk houses, or two fully-furnished
cabins with air conditioning. Stays range from one to ten days,
but reservations are required. Restaurant. 8 miles N of
Smithville and 80 miles SE of Sallisaw.
Glen Gilstrap

Hugo: Located in S.E.
Oklahoma 5 miles east of Hugo on Hwy 70. Several thousand acres and
miles of trails to explore from 1 March to Oct 1. Campground includes
holding pens, water, electric, showers, swim beach and fishing and
hunting opportunities.
580-326-3345

Duncan: camping, with
electric and water hook-up. Also have nearby restrooms with showers
for those who want primitive. There is also a nice restaurant at the
Concession. The trails are pretty well marked. Shoes are not a must,
but some places can be a little rocky. There is a washbay for the
horses, but they have to be tied overnight. The phone number for the
concession is (580) 255-9397.

Ardmore: They have a
barn to stable the horses. There are electric and water hook-ups.
Bathrooms with showers and really nice trails. The only thing is the
trails are not well marked. Also it is located in the field trial
area. You need to call in advance to make sure they are not having
field trial runs. you can call Lake Murray Park (580)
223-4044 / Park Officel at Ardmore, Oklahoma and they can
send you a map and Information. E-mail is
cjackson@oklahomaparks.com

McGee Creek State Park is also available to
equestrians. You must have a permit to go though. to get a permit or
find out more information call (580) 889-5822. Close to
Atoka

Horse
Hotel, Checotah, Ok

Horse Hotel,
Checotah, Ok
(918)473-2816--- 7 stall barn with shavings, 50' round
pen and access to small pasture for horses not used to
being confined in barn. Current Negative Coggins and
health records with name and phone number of vet to
verify, If you do not have these items, please do not
contact us for stalls. We have horses of our own and
want them to stay healthy. Located 31/2 miles from I-40,
easy access, parking for your trailer, daily fee ($15)
includes feed, hay. We are taking reservations for the
upcoming year for those who are traveling across the
U.S. to horse shows, racing dates, transports, or those
who simply are in need of rest for their horses. We ask
that you call at least one week in advance to reserve
your stalls is possible.

Ranch closed for Deer Season: October 21 - October 30 &
November 18 - December 4 - Ranch is also closed on
Christmas Day & New Year's Day

6,500 acre ranch providing visitors
with an outdoor wilderness experience. Cross Bar was an
operating cattle ranch for a century, previously known as the
Butterly Ranch and home to the famous “Hook 9” pasture.Available for day visits for
ATV/motorcycle riding, hiking, mountain biking, and
horseback riding. Have your own horse and looking for a
beautiful place to ride? Cross Bar Ranch is your
destination. Currently, the Cross Bar Ranch does not
offer horses for horseback riding. Primitive camping is
available in some areas. Camping is controlled and
restrictions will apply to help protect the
environment. School groups, Boy and Girl Scouts and
others wanting a real wilderness camping experience,
may contact the ranch staff for assistance and
reservations. See the native beauty of the Arbuckle
Mountains as they were 100 years ago, almost as if in
untouched by man. The terrain flows from rocky
outcroppings to tall grass prairie, from forest of
hardwoods to cedar-covered hillsides.

1000 N. 4th StreetSayre, OK 73662
Phone: 580-928-5504, Toll Free: 888-928-8864,
whineryflynwrnch@aol.com
Bring your own horse, or saddle up on one of ours and
enjoy a unique horseback riding experience on 2,000+
acres. The Flying W is a working cattle ranch, and
during your ride you're likely to encounter cowboys at
work. The Flying W offers horseback trail rides, wagon
rides, beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Two
cabins accommodate overnight guests. Visit the homestead
dugout and stand in the spot where the Southern Plains'
largest buffalo killing site occurred more than 1700
years ago. In addition, tour the Flying W Museum & Art
Gallery, with displays of antique automobiles, one of
America's largest collections of horse hair bridles,
saddle and arrowhead collections, display of buffalo
bones from 300 BC to 300 AD, snow village town, antique
dining room furniture from the Marland Mansion,
motorized stage coach, surrey used by Doc & Kitty from
TV show Gunsmoke, art from Oklahoma artist Jerry Yarnell
and much more. Overnight camping is available on
request; call for details. Paddleboat rentals also
available. Cabin rates $75. Meal function for group can
be accommodated. 3 miles off Interstate 40 Exit 26,
and within an easy two hour drive of Oklahoma City,
Amarillo, and Wichita Falls.

Chickasaw National
Recreation AreaSulphur, Ok(EASY)Also good for new horse and rider, traverses through
meadows and woods. Water is available on the trail.LOCATION: Rock Creek Multiuse Trail is S
of Sulphur off US-177, in Veteran’s Lake area. Well-marked trailhead.DISTANCE: 7.5 milesRIDE TYPE: Loops and connecting trailsTRAIL TYPE: Open grassland to heavily
wooded. Trail is dirt and rock. Horseshoes are recommended.
(HIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, NATURE VIEWING)

Welcome to Box B Horse Ranch.com. The Box B Horse Ranch has opened an
exciting new horse camp, located in Western Oklahoma, just North of
Cheyenne. There are miles and miles of horse trails. We've spent
over two years cutting through deep canyons where no one has ever
ridden before. Full service campsite with water, electric and dump
station facilities that accommodate LQ horse trailers. 20 X 20
corrals for horses Miles and miles of trails through beautiful
terrain Campsites 8 pull through campsites with 30 amps electricity
& water 20 x 20 corrals Restrooms with showers Dump station
(click on logo for website)

Coyote Hills Ranch
is located near Cheyenne in Roger Mills county in far western Oklahoma. It
is also close to the Black Kettle National Grasslands which consists of
33,000 acres. History is more than plentiful tracing back to General Custer
and the Battle of the Washita. The land is robust, red rolling hills and
pasture land. Coyote Hills Guest Ranch will help, from one to many, enjoy
the flavor of the old west. Trails are on private land owned by Coyote Hills
Ranch. Terrain is hilly with rocks, ravines and grassland pasture. Trail is
rated as easy, but will vary according to degree of slope, roughness of
footing, trail width and how well vegetation has been cleared. Length of
trails vary according to riders choice and ability. Private, day use or
overnight camping available at ranch. Also a 20 room territorial hotel that
can accommodate up to 70 people. Facility also offers electric hookup, flush
toilets and showers. A wash rack and bathroom facilities are located in
horse barn. Current copy of negative Coggins must be presented at office
before entering grounds. Horses may not be tethered to trees. Pack it
in--Pack it out. Groceries, feed, camping supplies, restaurants, vet and
health care can be found in Cheyenne (8 miles from ranch). Meals and chuck
wagon cookouts available at the ranch. Reservations necessary.Fax:
580-497-2176, Business Phone: 580-497-3931

It
takes a lot of preparation to take the family on a camping trip. There
is always a long list of things you cannot forget, like insect
repellant, cooking utensils and sleeping bags. For an increasing number
of Oklahomans, that list also includes things like a feed bag, saddles
and bridles. Those would be the families who are towing the horse
trailer instead of the boat.

Equestrian camping has grown rapidly in Oklahoma. Six Oklahoma State
Parks feature equestrian campgrounds where Trigger and Buttermilk can
share camping space with Roy and Dale and the rest of the gang.

In southeastern Oklahoma,
Arrowhead State
Park on Lake Eufaula offers almost thirty-five miles of equestrian
trails along the wooded lakeshore.
Robbers Cave State
Park has six trails, ranging from three miles to twenty-one miles in
length. McGee Creek
State Park's equestrian trails run through the heart of the Natural
Scenic Recreation Area and offer some of the most challenging riding in
Oklahoma. While McGee Creek does not have a dedicated equestrian
campground, equestrian campers can use the primitive campground near the
NSRA entrance.

All of the equestrian campgrounds in Oklahoma State Parks have
electrical hook-ups, grills, picnic tables, picket posts and water.

John Barnes, Robbers Cave State Park Manager, says equestrian campers
are a special group. "Many of them are really loyal," he says. "We have
people who have been coming to Robbers Cave to ride their horses for
more than twenty years." Equestrian campers can reserve campsites at
Robbers Cave by calling the park cabin office at (918) 465-2562.

In central Oklahoma, the City of Chandler operates the Bell Cow Lake
Equestrian Campground very near the Turner Turnpike. The park has
thirty-seven miles of marked trails and RV and campsites with picket
poles, picnic tables and grills. Campers pay a $2 trail fee, which goes
toward trail maintenance. Annual trail passes are available.

The equestrian camping boom has also been good for the Ouachita National
Forest in southeastern Oklahoma. The U.S. Forest Service operates the
popular Cedar Lake Campground, south of Heavener. The campground is
visited by almost 100,000 people annually and many of them bring their
horse trailers.

"It is mostly a spring and fall cycle for trail riders," says C.J.
Norvell, Public Information Officer for the U. S. Forest Service. "It's
a little hot in the summertime for the horses but when the weather is
cool, we get people from as far away as Iowa who come down here to ride
the trails." The U.S. Forest Service maintains more than 100 miles of
multi-use trails in the Ouachita National Forest. Cedar Lake Campground
also features electrical and water hookups, picket posts and horse wash
racks.

Nearby Talimena State Park also benefits from the national forest
trails. The small park has RV hookups and the trails that lead from the
park connect with the U.S. Forest Service trails. Many riders use it as
base for their excursions.

Equestrian campers have many resources on the Internet. One of the more
popular sites, Horse & Mule Trail Guide USA, lists most of the public
and many of the private equestrian facilities in Oklahoma. The site
lists twenty-four facilities with trail access, ten "horse hotels" for
travelers and three full-time trail ride operators in the state.

The mountains and forests of southeastern Oklahoma seem to have the
biggest concentration of equestrian facilities, both public and private,
in Oklahoma. Horse Haven near Talihina has expanded to six cabins and
thirty-two RV sites in just five years of operation. They draw visitors
from Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana and Texas.

Why would Texans come up to Oklahoma to ride their horses? "The forest
trails", says Horse Haven's Dawn Hackworth. "They come up here because
they can have access to hundreds of miles of trails in the Ouachita
National Forest. The mountains are a great riding experience for
flatlanders, they really enjoy the change of scenery."

It has been a long time since the horse was the primary means of
transportation in Oklahoma but the Oklahoma love for horses is just as
strong. These days the horse is not a means to get from one place to
another but it is a way to enjoy the outdoors and still relive a part of
history. Equestrian campers are something like cake lovers, they want to
bring their horse and ride it too. Equestrian campgrounds offer just
that opportunity.

Shop Oklahoma has been
in business since 1996 and maintains over 900 pages on our site
not counting websites we develop and host. We
continue to
grow having had over 12 million accesses in the last 12 months.
We are in the process of streamlining the site and
automating many of our services.